Haitangshan Rock Carvings: Green Tara

CHINA, Liaoning, Fuxin; Qing dynasty

This relief carving is located inside a niche cut into the cliff wall. Tara is considered to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, who brings relief to the needy and the suffering. Tara images are depicted in different colors, with the Green Tara and White Tara being the most popular.
This Green Tara has a round face, delicate features, and a gentle expression. Tara wears a crown, a neck ornament, and a stole draped around the arms. One hand forms a mudra at the chest, while the other rests on the knee with the palm turned upwards. Her right foot rests on a lotus pedestal, and her left leg is placed horizontally on the throne. Carved into the wall behind the figure are a nimbus and a large, round mandorla decorated with lotuses. Two wealth deities are featured on the lower part of the niche below Tara.